Metra News Release

News Release

Auditor General calls Metra 'cost-effective, reliable'

Chicago, March, 15, 2007 -- Metra received commendation from the Illinois Auditor General today for running a cost-effective, reliable and safe commuter railroad, conclusions drawn at the end of a two-year audit of the agency's operations.
When compared to other agencies in its peer group across the country, the audit concluded, Metra performs well by managing costs, maintaining its fleet, and achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
"Metra has always strived to be one of the premier railroads in the nation," said Metra Executive Director Philip A. Pagano. "This audit confirms that this agency has been successful in reaching that goal. We have taken great care to maximize resources in order to provide the best service to the millions of riders in the six county area."
Pagano credits the entire organization including Metra's Board of Directors, employees, labor union leaders and critical partners, the BNSF and Union Pacific railroads, for the safe and efficient service they provide each day.
Illinois Auditor General William G. Holland performed the audit of Metra as part of a state-mandated review of the Regional Transportation Authority and its three service boards, the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace. Auditors reviewed the overall financial condition and operations of all four agencies making recommendations for the system as a whole and individually to each service board.
In its conclusions, the audit points out the severe capital and operating financial challenges facing the multibillion-dollar RTA system, including Metra. The audit also outlines recommendations the service boards can take to improve their individual performances.
Specific to Metra, the audit recommendations call for streamlining of internal mechanical reports and other documents, continued work to maximize non-fare revenue, and exploration of working with its sister agencies in the area of joint purchases.
Metra Chairman Carole Doris said Metra stands ready to implement various recommendations to further maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness, and in some cases already has.
"We are proud of what we have accomplished turning a broken down, fragmented commuter rail system into a reliable mode of transportation vital to this region's economy and quality of life," Doris said. "Still, we recognize there is always more that can be done."
Doris added, "Metra will continue to be a partner in the 'Moving Beyond Congestion' campaign to seek funding for public transportation in the six-county area because the audit verifies the necessity of such a unified initiative."